Ground breaks for better base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez
  • 482d Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --       Homestead Air Reserve Base took a major step towards expansion, improvement and enhancement of the base in breaking ground for a new dining facility Feb. 11. Construction for the new facility has already begun and the facility is slated to be completed March of 2012. 

     "Everyone on base will be able to enjoy a first-class facility" said Colonel Donald Lindberg, Commander, 482d Fighter Wing. 

     The new facility will seat up to 300 troops and include a lounge and a community activity center. The building will be a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified building by the U.S. Green Building Council. The certified green structure will be energy efficient with a visually appealing exterior and an accommodating interior due to the advanced architectural design. With a state of the art kitchen and serving lines, staff will speedily deliver high-quality, delicious meals. After enjoying a fulfilling meal, guests can go to the lounge and socialize or go to the activity center and play a game of pool. The facility will have plenty of space for wedding receptions, birthday parties and special events.

     "We are responsible to our tax payers to insure the health and moral of our Airmen," said Col. Lindberg.

     The base's current dining facility, the Falcons Nest, has served the base for many years by providing troops with hot meals and holding numerous social events. However it has reached a point requiring its replacement. The building was once the base library and is over 60 years old. Although it was converted into the Falcons Nest, it was never architecturally designed as a dining facility and now is well past the point of economical renovating or repairing.

     The Falcon Nest has more than made the best use of the building. The club was named the number one club of the Air Force Reserve Command in 2010. With limited space and old technology, the Falcon's Nest staff has performed to the best of their ability, but will be able to better utilize their skills in the new green building. The new facility will provide them with better equipment, technology and much needed space. 

     The building of the new facility is an $8.6 million project. JCI Contracting, a local company, is the prime contractor for the project. All of their sub-contractors will also be local companies such as Gormon Construction, Redland Construction, H & H Steel, Manny and Lou Plumbing, Apex AC and AK Electrical. In addition, the suppliers used will mostly be local. With the activity center costing more than $8 million to build, the construction is expected to help boost the local economy, in addition to promoting future base missions. 

     The new activity center is much needed on Homestead ARB for the total force integration it provides of the various tenant units on base and the pending arrival of the new active duty component slated to arrive. The base is planning to begin construction on additional facilities in the next few years in continuous support the growth of base and can be expected to continue contributing business to the local community as they carry on their mission. 

     "This new facility is key to support our new missions and to host the troops as they would be on an active base. This is just one of the many ways we will support our Airmen," said Col. Lindberg.